How to Find and Add a Digital Signature Field in Adobe Acrobat
Question details
The user is trying to locate the traditional digital signature form field in Acrobat but is encountering an alternative field with email features instead.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Adding a digital signature field to a PDF form to allow users to sign the document.
- Observed behavior
- The user sees an alternative signature field with email routing features and repeated insertion prompts instead of the standard digital signature form field.
Ensure you are opening the PDF in Adobe Acrobat Pro or Standard, as the free Adobe Acrobat Reader has limited form-creation capabilities and cannot add custom digital signature fields.
Access the Digital Signature Field via Prepare Form
Use the dedicated Prepare Form tool in Acrobat to locate and insert the standard digital signature field.
Adobe Acrobat often defaults to its newer e-signature workflows (like Fill & Sign or Adobe Sign). To insert a traditional, certificate-based digital signature field, you must use the classic Prepare Form tool.
Open your PDF in Adobe Acrobat. Go to the 'Tools' tab at the top of the window and select 'Prepare Form'.
In the Prepare Form toolbar, look for the digital signature icon, which usually depicts a pen or a small signature block. Click on it to activate the tool.
Click and drag your cursor on the document to draw the digital signature field in your desired location and size.
After placing the field, press the 'Esc' key or click the selection arrow in the toolbar to exit the field-insertion mode before attempting to add other objects or text.
Add Signatures to PDFs Easily with WPS Office
If you find Acrobat's form tools confusing or too expensive, WPS Office provides a straightforward, user-friendly way to sign PDFs and add electronic signatures for free.
- 1. Open your PDF in WPS Office: Launch WPS Office and open the PDF document you need to sign.
- 2. Navigate to the Fill & Sign tab: Click on the 'Fill & Sign' or 'Protect' tab in the top ribbon menu.
- 3. Create and insert your signature: Click on 'Sign', choose to create a new signature via keyboard, trackpad, or image upload, and then place it anywhere on your document.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can't I see the Prepare Form tool in Acrobat?
The 'Prepare Form' tool is only available in Adobe Acrobat Standard and Acrobat Pro. If you are using the free Adobe Acrobat Reader, you cannot create custom form fields. However, you can still sign existing documents using the 'Fill & Sign' tool.
What is the difference between a digital signature and an electronic signature?
A digital signature uses a certificate-based digital ID to authenticate the signer's identity and encrypt the document for security. An electronic signature is simply a visual representation of a signature (like a typed name or drawn image) applied to a document.
How do I delete a signature field I placed by mistake in Acrobat?
While still in the 'Prepare Form' mode, simply click on the signature field you want to remove to select it, and then press the 'Delete' key on your keyboard.
Can I use WPS Office to sign a PDF form created in Adobe Acrobat?
Yes, WPS Office is fully compatible with standard PDF formats. You can open any PDF form created in Adobe Acrobat and use the WPS signature tools to sign it seamlessly without losing formatting.
